New online tool tracks cold and flu symptoms in your area

It's a fact. Unless precautions are taken, Chicago families will be spreading more than just good cheer and joy this holiday season.

Confined spaces, dropping temperatures and the stress of holiday preparations are just some of the factors that make us all more susceptible to illnesses, like the common cold or the flu, during the holidays.

If the last thing you want is to send your holiday guests home with more than just dinner leftovers, WebMD's Cold and Flu Map is a tool that can help you get a leg up on which symptoms are hitting your geographic area the hardest - right down to your zip code.

"The Cold and Flu Map enables you to see a county-by-county view of mild, moderate or severe cold and flu symptom levels in your area just by typing in your zip code," said Dr. Michael Smith, Chief Medical Editor for WebMD. "With this knowledge, take precautions when in public areas."

If cold and flu symptom levels are high in your area, Smith offers these additional prevention tips:

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

Touching surfaces that have the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose is a common way that germs spread. You may also inhale infected droplets in the air that come from coughing, sneezing or talking.

Wash your hands frequently

The act of rubbing your hands together when washing with soap and water is what will eliminate germs. And while hand sanitizer is great, Smith warns not to rely on it as your only antibacterial source.